Still (4)

Erica led the way to their destination in a light atmosphere, exchanging a few jokes with Orli.

It was a residential center managed by the Seoul Association Headquarters and the Seodaemun-gu district office. As Seoul was the area with the most victims due to terrorism and various disasters, support for citizens was being enthusiastically provided from the higher-ups.

It was a peaceful sequence that couldn’t have been imagined in the past. After the spread of the massacre, public safety had worsened even more, and it was a time when groups of criminals doubling as rankers were running rampant. The Association and the government had to rack their brains, and even Erica had to endure a lot of pain in that situation.

Perhaps because of that, or as a reward for gradually solving the problems encountered afterward, the city gained light, and the people living there began to have stable smiles. After that, several disasters struck, but ironically, thanks to Orli, who had caused the massacre, participating and cleaning up neatly, good results were achieved.

Erica exhaled in front of the facility they arrived at.

She had accepted many things and gone through many things. She gained an unexpected connection. Although she realized she had grown herself, still. There was something remaining.

The reason for life she wanted to know.

Erica unconsciously looked at Orli standing quietly beside her.

Soon after, the iron gate in front opened.

“Ah, are you from the district office? Was today the day for support?”

Behind the woman in indoor clothes who appeared, a small child was slightly visible.

“Hello. Additional material support has been provided from the Gyeonggi area, so we’ve come to follow the visitation procedure. We’re from the Association…”

Erica stopped mid-sentence, sensing Orli hiding behind her somehow.

“Ah, the Association.”

The woman nodded. Come to think of it, the district office official had said that information about Association-related supplies had been conveyed to facilities in each district.

“Yes. That’s correct what you’ve been informed of.”

Erica showed the boxes they brought. Orli behind her fidgeted. With his hat pressed down deep, his eyes were barely visible.

The woman brought her hands to her mouth.

“Oh my. Oh my. Look at me. Please come in. Let me at least offer you some tea.”

“We appreciate the thought, but we…”

“Why are you like this? Really. It’s fine, so please come in.”

Erica was about to refuse, being considerate of Orli, when she felt Orli grabbing her sleeve. At the end of her gaze, she saw his intention to go in.

It was an ordinary house.

After moving the boxes inside, they sat on the small chairs as invited by the woman. After the woman went to get tea, Orli naturally tried to sit on Erica’s lap.

How embarrassing in front of others.

Erica slightly pushed him away and glanced at him as if looking at a pervert. Orli chuckled softly and then slumped down on the chair next to her. He seemed a bit tired from the long journey.

A child could be seen running around the house excited that guests had come. When the woman who brought the tea scolded the child, he immediately became gloomy.

“I’m sorry, our child…”

The woman set down the tea she brought. Erica slightly bowed her head and brought the teacup to her lips. The flavor was deep.

“You said you’re from the Association, right?”

“Yes. Our support capacity has improved.”

“Oh my. That’s really fortunate. Before, they said support might be cut off because there weren’t many supplies.”

Erica nodded and gave a bitter smile.

“That’s not all. We lived with our hearts in our mouths every day because something was always exploding here and there.”

“It must have been a difficult time for citizens. There were many individual crimes too.”

“That’s right. Oh. Now it’s become so much more livable. They even provide facilities like this.”

Erica agreed and listened, then glanced to the side. It was cute how Orli was sipping the hot tea little by little like a baby bird.

“This sister’s hair is so long!”

Suddenly, an innocent voice was heard when the child in front approached Orli. Orli flinched, hurriedly put down the teacup he was holding, and pressed his hat down even deeper.

Erica was momentarily flustered but calmly pulled Orli towards herself.

“This person is…?”

The woman turned her gaze to Orli.

“Ah, he’s my junior. He’s very shy.”

Even during the conversation, the child kept trying to make eye contact with Orli. Orli pulled his coat up to cover his mouth and nose. The child saw this, tilted his head, and then spoke.

“Your eyes are really like marbles! They’re pretty. I wish you’d show more of your face!”

Orli hesitated for a moment. Because of that, the coat covering up to his nose slightly lowered.

Erica hurriedly spoke to the woman.

“How, how is life these days?”

The woman blinked.

“Ah, yes. It’s fine. To the extent that we want to meet the officials. Thanks to the care from the Association people and the government…”

While roughly receiving the woman’s outpouring words, Erica glanced at Orli.

“Aww… Why won’t you show…”

“I’m sorry.”

“No! It’s okay because sister’s eyes are pretty!”

The child, who somehow seemed to have brightened up instantly, held out a small cookie to Orli.

“But sister gave me these presents! I’m so happy! Here, eat a cookie!”

For a moment, Orli silently made eye contact with the child. His eyes were moist.

“…Thank you.”

She took the cookie and smiled slightly.

Erica blankly stared at Orli.

Your smile was so pretty.

The innocent smile was cute.

Your pouting appearance, your spoiled posture, the way you look at me, everything was beautiful.

So I could understand.

Even the sadness that feels like it’s tearing my skin when I look at you.

That’s why I wanted to approach you even more. I wanted to embrace you and show you kindness.

Is it unnecessary sentimentality? Is it a forced tantrum in a life that’s barely walking?

No, rather, that’s why.

Because breathing is painful and chilly.

Because even standing up on a dark path is burdensome.

I just hoped.

That you would no longer be sad.

That you would smile brightly.

Why, you ask?

It’s obvious.

Because I.

Love you.

We finished the material support as assigned. The assigned work was only for the Seodaemun-gu area, but by the time we went around all the facilities, the sun had already set. It was tiring, but well. It was doable.

We repeatedly heard words of thanks from many people. Every time that happened, a fluffy feeling rose up. I was wearing my hat pressed down tightly, but still, the sight of me repeatedly bowing my head was, how should I say, awkward but fresh.

Is it okay for me to receive such feelings? Is it okay for me to see such smiles? I shouldn’t be doing this. I, I…

When I bit my trembling lips with my teeth, blood flowed out.

We stopped by the district office, went through the reporting procedure, and finished the final confirmation.

“We were in trouble because we were short-handed, but thanks to you two, it’s fortunate. To think you could go around one area so quickly. I really want to express my gratitude.”

The district office employee smiled and held out coffee in fancy packaging. My hands receiving the coffee were trembling a lot.

Erica responded with a business smile. As I stood still, blankly holding the coffee, Erica gently rubbed my back. The warm touch felt good, and I smiled without realizing it. So with that expression, I nodded to the employee looking at me.

We left the building and got into the vehicle. I felt it when visiting the Seodaemun-gu facilities too, but indeed, there’s still a desolate air remaining. Only the main buildings are intact.

I turned my gaze out the window. The Association headquarters came into view. It was just as it was a few years ago, located in the central plaza.

“Yes.”

Hearing a voice, I looked to the side and saw Erica answering a phone call.

“I have no intention of returning. At least for a few days. What? Yes. That’s right. The entire duration of the business trip.”

Erica seemed to notice my gaze and looked a bit hesitant. I kept watching because it was cute.

“Training for new recruits? Then I’ll just stop by briefly at that time. I told you. My days are busy too, so I don’t have time to put effort into anything else. …As for changing, well, people sometimes change as they live.”

I wondered who she was talking to, and felt unnecessary jealousy.

So I pressed my fangs against her shoulder. Erica hesitated for a moment but couldn’t strongly stop me because she was on the phone.

I grabbed her wrist and pushed. My teeth pierced near her shoulder.

“Anyway, once this work is done… Hic! What? Ah, yes. I’m sorry. A cough hic! came out!”

The fact that she still didn’t hang up the call stabbed me with both pleasure and stubbornness. I pushed my teeth in deeper and started sucking a lot of blood. The feeling of warm waves swirling in my mouth, it feels good no matter when I experience it.

“Yes, it’s oka- okay. My body hurts, that’s why. Any- Anyway. If you’ve, ugh. Delivered the re- report, I’ll hang… up.”

Even after ending the call, the way she glared at me while holding back her moans was unbearably cute. After sucking a lot of blood, I smiled slightly, and Erica’s face was strangely red.

“Why is your face red? Did you enjoy it that much?”

“You pervert.”

It would be a big problem if I get addicted. This is troublesome.